January 19, 2023
Locked on Women’s Basketball: Why is everybody so hard on the Dallas Wings? Natasha Howard and Allisha Gray deals
By The Next
Howard and Arie chat all things Dallas Wings — including the latest news in free agency
It’s time for another episode of the Locked on Women’s Basketball podcast. This week, the Dallas Wings acquired Natasha Howard in a classic win-now move. Then, a few days later, they agreed to a framework of a deal trading Allisha Gray for a pair of draft picks. So what is the plan in Dallas? The Next‘s Wings beat reporter Arie Graham joins host Howard Megdal to break down exactly what Dallas has, what they need and how they might get it.
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Arie talks about whether Natasha Howard is the right person to pair with Arike Ogunbowale:
“Yes, most definitely. They played together in the Russian League. So I think that helps a lot. As far as continuity goes, you don’t have a player that’s coming in that’s not familiar with anyone. It took Teaira McCowan just a little while to get used to how everyone was playing. And I think having Natasha have that experience with Arike helps a lot.”
Arie talks about what she thinks about the Allisha Gray trade deal that includes the 2023 No. 3 overall pick plus a pair of draft picks:
“The number three pick could possibly give Dallas someone that could feel that plug of Allisha being gone, or what Kayla Thornton depends on who they pick up. They want someone that can handle both sides of the court well or is strictly defensive-minded. I feel like you should get a whole lot more for a player like Allisha Gray. Now I know you brought up the efficiency with Satou Sabally and Veronica Burton, which I remember Satou was out eight games and had to get herself to fit back in the offense. You know, Veronica Burton, she wasn’t really there for the shooting. She was more of the facilitator. So, like you said, efficiency is very broad. It’s not going to be much of an issue from what you’re saying on efficiency.”
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Regarding Allisha Gray’s impending departure and how/whom will replace her in the draft
First, the major issue — in my mind — is to see what happens with Mabrey. I agree with Howard: If Dallas wants to win now, she’s a must resign. She’s gotten better every year and is becoming increasingly savvy. Plus, she complements Ogunbowale.
One of the issues with Dallas was mixing minutes and talent with Gray, Arike and Marina Mabrey. Arie says they need to get experience? That’s Marina. Why on earth would Dallas replicate the same situation with a replacement? And, with all due respect to the draft, why would you build chemistry with a Rickea Jackson or Jordan Horston, given what’s (not) happening with Tennessee? My choice there would be Diamond Miller, who I also saw win State Titles in New Jersey.
So:
– Sign Mabrey
– See who Minnesota drafts — probably Jones or Miller — and draft the other one. If Dallas is said to be considering Osborne, Jackson or Horston, take Horston. But try to get Miller.